ADVENT

 Advent marks the beginning of the church year for most Western churchesCRI/Voice, Institute:
The Christian Season of Advent1
 Believed to have originated in France as preparation period before the Feast of the
EpiphanyCatholic Education Resource Center: The Liturgical Season of Advent2
 Earliest authentic record of Advent: 581 A.D.History.com: Advent3
 Formally established as a four-week period by Pope Gregory I around 600 A.D.History.com:
Advent3
 Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30
 Advent 2010: November 28
 Advent means "coming" or "arrival"CRI/Voice, Institute: The Christian Season of Advent1
 Liturgical season celebrates the coming birth of Jesus and His second comingCRI/Voice,
Institute: The Christian Season of Advent1
 Colors of the season are purple and/or blueEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: Advent4
 Blue suggests hope, while purple denotes "the royal color of the coming king"Evangelical
Lutheran Church of America: Advent4

 Advent is considered a time of spiritual preparation for Christmas

 Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30
 Advent was formally established as a four-week devotional period by Pope Gregory I around 660
A.D.History.com: Advent1
 Lesson plans can allow children to more directly participate in, and understand the meaning of, the
holy season of Advent

The Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath, a common part of Advent tradition and celebration, is believed to have originated in
Germany and Scandinavia during winter solstice celebrations. A traditional circular Advent wreath is
made of evergreens and four candles. Three of the candles are purple and a fourth is rose-colored. On
each Sunday of Advent, a candle is lit to help mark the passage of time before the coming of the Christ
child.American Catholic: Advent FAQs5

ACTIVITIES

Explore the origins of the Advent season through stories about the Nativity and the birth of Jesus.
Consider having children make an Advent calendar, using images from the Bible and incorporating
traditional Advent symbols like candles into the calendars.

Have children make their own Advent wreaths, for a truly hands-on experience. The wreaths can be
traditional, using evergreens and Advent candles, or the kids can enjoy coloring pages of the wreaths and
then displaying their artwork around the house.

Incorporate the singing of Advent songs or hymns into your lesson plan. "O Come, O Come, Emannuel"
is considered a traditional Advent song.SpiritHome.com: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany - Caroling2